IF YOU’VE BEEN noticing Japanese things (products, music, philosophies, décor) everywhere lately, you’re not the only one—the country and its culture have been captivating sophisticated online circles for awhile now. I came across Osaka-based Truck Furniture a few years ago, but forgot about it until an image from their Instagram feed fell across my path that was so atmospheric, immediately needed to see more.
Truck was started in 1997 by Norihiko Kise, who was born in Osaka and studied furniture making at the woodworking department of Matsumoto Technical College in Nagano Prefecture, and Hiromi Karatsu, who was also born in Osaka and studied Crafts and Textile Design at the Osaka University of Arts. Their goal was to make furniture that was not trendy, furniture that they themselves wanted, with a focus on texture and materials, such as wood, leather, and iron. Kise and Karatsu wanted to make furniture that lasted, but also to create a specific atmosphere in which to showcase their work, and to sell their work only from this space, and so the shop does not offer wholesale. The result is the most wonderful space that should be included on your list of places to visit the next time you’re in Japan…
